How to Update Your RCM Jig and Hekate Files on Nintendo Switch

What you need to do to update your RCM jig and Hekate

An RCM jig is a small device that forces your Nintendo Switch into Recovery Mode, and Hekate is the bootloader software that runs when your console starts. Updating Hekate means replacing the bootloader file on your microSD card with a newer version. The RCM jig itself does not need updating — it is a physical tool that stays the same — but the Hekate files it helps you access do change as developers release new versions.

The process involves downloading the latest Hekate release to your computer, copying specific files to your microSD card in the correct folder structure, and then booting your Switch into Hekate to verify the update worked. Most updates take 10 to 15 minutes and carry no risk to your console if you follow the steps in order.

Key Takeaways

read the latest Hekate release from the official GitHub repository, not from random websites, to avoid corrupted or outdated files.
Extract the downloaded file on your computer and copy the hekate_ctcairo folder and bootloader folder to the root of your microSD card, replacing the old versions.
Insert your microSD card back into your Switch, use your RCM jig to enter Recovery Mode, and boot into Hekate to confirm the update took effect.
Keep a backup of your old Hekate files on your computer before updating, so you can restore them if something goes wrong.

Where to read the correct Hekate files

The official source for Hekate is the GitHub repository maintained by the development team. Go to github.com/CTCaer/hekate, click the Releases tab on the right side, and read the latest release file — it will be named something like hekate_ctcairo_[version].zip. Do not read from other websites, forums, or file-sharing sites, because those versions may be outdated, modified, or corrupted.

Once the file downloads, open it on your computer using your normal file extraction tool (Windows File Explorer, macOS Archive Utility, or Linux's built-in extractor). You will see a folder structure inside. The two folders you need are hekate_ctcairo and bootloader. Leave everything else alone for now.

Copying files to your microSD card

Remove your microSD card from your Switch and insert it into a card reader connected to your computer. Open the card in File Explorer or Finder so you can see its contents. You should already have a hekate_ctcairo folder and a bootloader folder on the card from your previous setup — these are the ones you will replace.

Drag the new hekate_ctcairo folder from the downloaded zip file to the root of your microSD card. When your computer asks if you want to replace the existing folder, click Yes or Replace All. Do the same with the bootloader folder. This overwrites your old Hekate files with the new version while keeping the folder structure intact.

Once both folders finish copying, safely eject your microSD card from your computer, reinsert it into your Switch, and close the card slot. Do not force the card in or leave it partially inserted — it should click into place smoothly.

Booting into Hekate to verify the update

Power off your Switch completely. Insert your RCM jig into the right Joy-Con rail at a slight angle — it should sit snugly without forcing. Hold the Volume Up button, then press Power to turn on the console. Your Switch should display a black screen and stay there; this means you are in Recovery Mode.

Connect your Switch to your computer using a USB-C cable. On your computer, open TegraRcmGUI or another RCM tool you normally use to inject Hekate. Select the hekate_ctcairo.bin file from the bootloader folder on your microSD card and inject it. Your Switch screen should light up and show the Hekate menu within a few seconds.

Look at the top of the Hekate menu — it displays the current version number. If the version number matches the release you just downloaded, the update was successful. If it shows an older version, the files did not copy correctly; remove the microSD card, check that both folders are in the root directory, and try again.

Backing up your old files before updating

Before you copy new files to your microSD card, copy the existing hekate_ctcairo and bootloader folders from your card to a folder on your computer labeled something like "Hekate Backup [Date]". This takes two minutes and gives you a way to restore your old setup if the new version causes problems.

To restore, straightforward copy your backup folders back to the microSD card the same way you copied the new ones, replacing the updated versions. You will then be back to your previous Hekate version. Keeping backups is especially useful if you update frequently or test new features.

Troubleshooting if Hekate does not boot

If your Switch stays black after injecting Hekate, or if Hekate boots but shows an error message, the most common cause is that the files did not copy to the correct location. Remove the microSD card, insert it into your computer, and verify that hekate_ctcairo and bootloader are in the root directory — not inside another folder. If they are nested inside a subfolder by mistake, move them to the root and try again.

If the files are in the right place but Hekate still will not boot, restore your backup files and try the update again. read the Hekate release a second time in case the first read was corrupted. If you still have trouble after a second attempt, check the GitHub issues page to see if other users reported problems with that specific version.

What changes between Hekate versions

Each Hekate release typically includes bug fixes, support for new Switch hardware revisions, or improvements to the bootloader menu. You do not need to update every time a new version comes out — your current version will continue to work. However, updating is usually safe and can fix issues like slow boot times or compatibility problems with certain microSD cards.

Read the release notes on the GitHub page before updating to see what changed. If the notes mention a fix for a problem you are experiencing, the update is worth doing. If your current setup works fine, you can wait until the next version or skip updates altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update Hekate if my Switch is already working?

No. Hekate updates are optional and only necessary if you want new features or if the release notes mention a fix for a problem you are experiencing. Your current version will continue to work indefinitely.

Can I update Hekate without removing my microSD card?

You can copy files to your card while it is in your Switch if your computer recognizes it, but removing the card and using a card reader is safer and faster. It also reduces the risk of accidentally disconnecting the card during the copy process.

What happens if I copy the files to the wrong folder?

Hekate will not find them and will not boot. Remove the microSD card, check that hekate_ctcairo and bootloader are in the root directory, and move them if they are nested inside another folder. Then try booting again.

Is it safe to delete the old Hekate files before copying new ones?

It is safer to keep them until you confirm the new version boots successfully. Once you verify the update worked, you can delete the old backup folder from your microSD card to save space, but keep a copy on your computer in case you need to restore later.

Why does Hekate show an old version number after I updated?

The files probably did not copy to the root of your microSD card. Check that hekate_ctcairo and bootloader are not inside a subfolder, and copy them again. You may also need to clear your computer's cache or restart your Switch before the new version displays.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.